I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 22 and 40 together.
Reports by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, have identified septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems as a potential source of water pollution, particularly of ground water sources, which are an important source of drinking water for many people. This is particularly the case in areas with sensitive environments or high densities of on-site systems. The renewed programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a scheme for the licensing and inspection of septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems.
In October 2009, the European Court of Justice, ECJ, found that Ireland had failed to make adequate legislation for dealing with domestic waste water from septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems. Ireland's defence in the proceedings sought recognition for a range of monitoring and inspection powers under the Public Health (Ireland) Act 1878, the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 and 1990, the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2007, the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006 and the Water Services Act 2007. However, the ECJ found that these provisions only partially implemented procedures to ensure the objectives of the waste directive. In order to comply with the ECJ ruling, legislation is required to give effect to a new inspection and monitoring system for septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House.
On the publication of the joint Oireachtas committee's report, I wrote to the Chairman to note that its recommendations were both timely and welcome and to assure the committee that its report was being carefully considered. I expect that the issues raised in it will be addressed comprehensively in the proposals that I will be introducing to give effect to the commitment in the renewed programme for Government and to ensure compliance with the court ruling. My Department is considering how this monitoring and inspection system should operate and has been consulting extensively with the EPA, local authorities and other key stakeholders on the matter. It is also intended to undertake consultations with wider stakeholders on the matter. I intend to table proposals to the Government to address these matters later this year.
The programme for Government, agreed in June 2007, included a commitment to introduce a scheme of support for the replacement and upgrade of septic tanks older than 15 years with newer systems. The feasibility for introducing such a scheme will remain under ongoing review by my Department in light of budgetary constraints.
Under my Department's rural water programme, grants are available to provide groups of households with the opportunity of connecting to public sewerage networks through communal sewage collection systems that are, in turn, connected to local authority sewers. Alternatively, the communal sewage collection system may be connected to sewage treatment facilities provided by the groups themselves. A grant of 75% of the approved cost, subject to a limit of €2,031.58 per domestic connection, whichever is the lesser, is available for eligible works. Details of these grants may be obtained from the local authorities, to which the administration of the rural water programme has been devolved since 1997.